Our helpline received a call this week from a gentleman in a care home in Lincolnshire. He rang to ask our advice as he felt he was being put under pressure to be discharged home too early.
Paul* had undergone surgery after breaking his pelvis and was subsequently moved to a care home for rehabilitation and physiotherapy.
Over the past two weeks, Paul’s doctor had been assessing his progress and appeared eager to discharge him home as soon as possible. Paul was firmly of the of the view that, not only was he not fit enough, but his home did not have a working bathroom due to renovation work that stopped when he went into hospital.
Paul had contacted his local authority requesting they restart the renovation so that it could be completed as soon as possible, making his home habitable.
We advised Paul that he should discuss his concerns with the senior consultant responsible for his care. We also advised him to discuss the contents of his care plan to ensure that it considered his home facilities as well as his mobility needs.
We then suggested Paul asks to speak to a social worker to discuss any additional care he may need once at home.
Finally, we told Paul to make sure his GP practice was aware of his situation.
As we do with all our callers, we assured Paul that he could contact us again if he needed any further advice or information.
*Name changed for privacy
|